Script File

Whisper Of The Spirits

In a quiet Malaysian village, a grieving son takes on his father’s dying wish to save Mek Mulong, a fading traditional theatre. As he dives deeper into the haunting art, a playful yet sinister spirit pushes him to the edge of obsession, threatening to destroy his mind and soul.

  • Aliff Ihsan Rahman
    Writer
  • Project Type:
    Treatment
  • Number of Pages:
    17
  • Language:
    English
  • First-time Screenwriter:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Writer Biography - Aliff Ihsan Rahman

Aliff Ihsan Rahman is a distinguished Malaysian film director with over a decade of experience in the film and television industry. A graduate of ASWARA (Akademi Seni Budaya & Warisan), he holds a Bachelor's degree in Film and Video, specializing in directing. His career spans multiple genres, including feature films, telemovies, documentaries, and short films, reflecting his versatility and mastery of storytelling.

Achievements:
• Directed the feature film Siapa Tutup Lampu (2021), which ranked among the Top 5 Most Subscribed Movies on Astro First in November 2021, earning over RM500,000 in collections. It later became a Top 2 hit on Netflix Malaysia in July 2024.
• Directed Memorealiti (2023), which garnered over 100,000 views within 10 days of release on YouTube.
• His short film Dermaga (2015) received international recognition, including the Best Editing award at the SABC Ekurhuleni International Film Festival in South Africa and multiple official selections worldwide.

Notable Works:
• Feature Films:
o Budak Bola (In Development), Kolej Puaka (In Post), Raja Hitam (In Post).
• Telemovies/Series:
o Ramadan I Miss You (2024, TV3), Daddy Duda (2024, TV3), Pesan Makan (2020, TV3).
• Documentaries:
o Ai & Manusia (2024, TV1), Semalam Di Malaysia (2019, TV1).
• Short Films:
o Dermaga (2015), Mimpi Iman (2012), Pintu Ke Pintu (2009).
Skills:
• Expertise in selecting music and editing to evoke deep emotions in storytelling.
• Mastery of screenwriting and directing across multiple genres, blending cultural depth with modern relevance.
• Strong ability to develop proposals and ideas, making him a key innovator in the creative industry.

Impact:
Aliff’s dedication to preserving Malaysia's rich cultural heritage shines through his work. Whether through his critically acclaimed Siapa Tutup Lampu or his internationally recognized short films, he bridges traditional narratives with modern storytelling, inspiring audiences to cherish and safeguard their heritage in an evolving world.

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Writer Statement

In a rapidly globalizing world, the essence of heritage and tradition is fading, often buried under the weight of modernity. Whisper of the Spirits is not just a film; it is a cultural necessity, a cinematic effort to preserve and immortalize Malaysia’s endangered traditional art form, Mek Mulong. This deeply symbolic story transcends entertainment, becoming an urgent call to action to safeguard our intangible cultural heritage.
This film is my love letter to Malaysia’s heritage. Through cinematic storytelling, I aim to preserve Mek Mulong for future generations while exploring universal themes of identity, sacrifice, and legacy. At its heart, Whisper of the Spirits delves into the fractured relationship between a father and son, using their journey of guilt, loss, and redemption as a vessel to explore the fading connection between modern Malaysians and their cultural roots.
Culturally, Whisper of the Spirits holds immense significance. Rarely seen in its authentic form, the art of Mek Mulong is recognized by UNESCO as a heritage treasure. Yet, with fewer practitioners and a waning audience, it faces the real threat of extinction. By embedding its rituals, performances, and spiritual undertones into a compelling and immersive narrative, this film becomes an instrument of preservation and an effort to revive interest in this art form, not just within Malaysia but across the world.
Visually, the film is crafted to evoke an emotional and mystical experience. The haunting figure of Awang Pengasuh, the whispers of the wind (deru), and the mystical rituals of Buka Panggung bring a unique cultural identity to the film while immersing the audience in the delicate balance between reality and the supernatural. Shadowy aesthetics, traditional costumes, intricate masks, and the raw soundscape of Mek Mulong will make every frame a celebration of its intricate beauty.
More than a story, Whisper of the Spirits is a reminder of the fragility of cultural identity and the urgency to protect it. This film aims to bridge the past and the present, sparking conversations on how traditions can shape our future while holding universal relevance. I believe this story, with its cultural richness, emotional depth, and artistic ambition, will resonate with audiences and juries alike, inspiring them to reflect on heritage, identity, and the sacrifices required to honor a legacy.
This is not just a story I want to tell—this is a story that must be told.